First things first, just to save you the trouble of asking: yes, it's a real GT500, yes it has a 428/4-speed, and yes, it's documented. If you're a Ford muscle fan, you know there's not much better than a '68 Shelby GT500 in Candyapple Red with a 4-speed. Not to mention how rare these car are with only 1,140 of them produced in 1968. This is car #277 and it is also in the Shelby Registry. According to the Marti Report, original build sheet, and other documentation, this car has been restored to factory-original condition throughout. There's just no mistaking the Shelby look, from the custom fiberglass hood to the side scoops to the molded rear deck lid and sequential taillights, it makes a statement. And even after they started assembling the cars at Ford's Southfield, Michigan facility, they were never this nice right out of the box. Gaps are excellent, even around the hood which is especially problematic for restorers, and you'll note that the spoiler out back lines up neatly with the fenders. That's not easy to do. With everything in order, it was covered by several layers of Candyapple Red, a pair of Wimbledon White stripes, and then finished to show standards. All the correct Shelby bits are there, including the Marchal driving lights up front, hood pins, SHELBY block letters, and, of course, the coiled snake emblems on the fenders. The black bucket seat interior is correct as well, showing fresh soft parts including seat covers, door panels, and dash pad, all of which reproduce the originals right down to the smallest details. Ford was aiming for a more sophisticated clientele with the GT500, so plenty of luxury touches can be found inside, including the woodgrained appliques on the door, dash, steering wheel and center console with the coiled snake emblem embossed on the armrest. A folding rear seat, overhead roll bar, and shoulder harnesses are all Shelby must-haves, but it's civilized enough to drive every day, listening to the original AM radio. Pop that fiberglass deck lid and you'll find a correct mat, space-saver spare tire assembly, and a complete jack, ready for show duty. The GT500 received one of Ford's most potent V8s, the 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet. Grossly underrated at 335 horsepower, the 4-barrel-equipped big block is still content to idle in traffic or rip off low-13-second passes at the strip on street tires (or faster if you're good enough to master it). There's no way to know for sure if early Mustangs are 100% matching numbers, but this one has all the right equipment and matches the build sheet, which is about as close as you can get. It has obviously been driven a bit since it was completed (who can blame the owner for wanting to run it through the gears?), but the restoration was highly accurate and professionally done. Long-tube headers were a common addition that has all but disappeared now that these cars have become such highly-sought collectables, but youc an't deny that they don't sound awesome. The suspension and brakes are rebuilt, the floors are solid, and the beautiful 10-spoke wheels wear staggered BFGoodrich T/A radials for the perfect stance. Highly documented and ready to enjoy, this is the rare Shelby that's ready to enjoy, priced to drive, yet qualifies for investment status. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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